Written question WQ95193

Under the regulatory framework and local management of schools’ arrangements, schools and governing bodies in Wales are responsible for sourcing staff, including engaging supply teaching staff. This can be via a local authority scheme, locally curated lists or commercial supply teacher agencies. The Welsh Government has guidance in place to support schools when making these decisions, and to clarify how supply staff should be engaged and supported.

If supply teachers are sourced via Local Authority schemes or curated lists, they will be paid in line with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (Wales) Document (STPC(W)D) and will have access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

We encourage schools which use agencies to use those appointed to the Welsh Government Supply Agency Framework. These agencies meet the specified quality requirements and are formally monitored. This includes being regularly audited by both the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and an approved representative professional recruitment body. Agencies on the Framework also sign up to the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains. If supply teachers are sourced via commercial supply teacher agencies which are part of the framework, they will be paid the equivalent of the STPC(W)D M2 rate and provided with access to a pension scheme.